3. One of Them

Rose encouraged me to take a shower first before bringing me downstairs for breakfast. I didn’t realize I was completely dirty and I really did need to get cleaned up. She even brought me a new set of clothes surprisingly similar to my style– jeans and a light colored blouse. 

She took my hand as we stepped out of the room. She handled me gently and delicately. It was then that I finally started to appreciate her. 

It was still very early in the morning and though I wasn't the slightest bit curious, she informed me that everyone was either still sleeping or training in the field, especially the warriors. I honestly didn’t want to know. Every damn book I’ve read about them seemed even more real. 

And I hated it. 

My eyes traveled around studying the house. Then I noticed it wasn’t exactly a house. It was a mansion. It was huge and filled with countless rooms. The halls felt endless and like a labyrinth until we reached the kitchen. The place was big and busy when we arrived. There were a lot of servants running around preparing for breakfast.

“Come.” Rose beckoned me. “Sit.” She gestured towards the kitchen island that had numerous stools. 

I tensed when I felt many prying eyes on me. I avoided meeting their sight and looked down, only finding interest on the table. I just knew what their looks could mean and I was afraid of it. The momentary pause and silence made my heart beat fast. 

“Back to work now.” I heard Rose clapping her hands as she ordered them to continue with their work. A moment later, a plate of pancakes with syrup and fruits slid towards me. “Eat.”

My head tilted up and met Rose’s kind eyes and small smile. I looked down at my food before mumbling a thank you to her. I felt a warm hand on my shoulder, squeezing me in reassurance. I focused myself on eating while everyone was busy with work.

I realized that Rose must have held a higher rank here since they listened to her. After that warning, they tried hard to ignore my presence even though I felt them stealing glances at me. I only looked back up when Rose came and commented that I finally ate and even finished everything on the plate. She then gestured to me to follow her.

“What… what am I doing here?” She halted her steps and turned to me. My heart ached at her words.

“I will show you where you are assigned to clean.” My shoulders slumped as I looked down in dejection.

“Please… just tell me. I have a life out there. People will come looking for me and I don’t have any idea where I am.” I begged. I almost wanted to crawl with my knees and begged for an answer.

Her face straightens before looking away. 

“I will tell you where you are.” A woman’s voice pulled us out of our moment. She was tall with long red hair that was up in a ponytail. She was quite muscular but not to the point that it was too much that would make it look unattractive. She’s beautiful but her dark eyes were looking at me as if I was a pest here.

I looked up at her in fear, our eyes met. I instinctively stepped back. As if my body knew she was a threat. 

“Katarina.” Rose spoke. From the way she spoke her name, it’s as if she was giving her a warning.

Katarina took a threatening step towards me. I leaned back, making me step back a little more. “Welcome to your nightmare, little girl.” I heard a faint snarl as she spoke those words. I gasped in fear, stepping back more to hide behind Rose. My hands automatically clamped her clothes, creasing them in the process.

“Katarina, that’s enough! You are scaring her.” She scolds her.

“Why are you protecting this nuisance? You know how the Alpha feels about her?” Katarina somewhat growls at Rose. I frowned, realizing she’s disrespecting the elder. I didn’t have the guts to reprimand her though. I already know their kind and from the way she’s looking at me, she won’t hesitate to rip my throat out. 

I suddenly remembered what happened that night. My fists clenched at the memory, making Rose’s shirt crumple even more. I swear I was transitioning into a monster like them but how come I didn’t feel anything right now, except that expected pain in my heart and body.

“I will be in charge of her stay here. And I will be the one to give her tasks.”

“The Alpha wants her to join us in training.” Katarina said, crossing her arms. There was an air of dominance to her stance.

“Katarina-”

“The Alpha wants her to join us.” She cut her off with a hint of warning in her voice. She made sure to emphasize their Alpha.

“I will talk to the Alpha then.” Rose persists.

Katarina scowled at her persistence. “Suit yourself.” She stepped back and made sure to glare at me before turning around and stomped off. 

“I will talk to our Alpha. You can go back to your room and wait.” I nodded and scurried off. I was afraid that woman would come back.

I stayed in my room the entire time and waited for Rose. It didn’t take long when she came back and to my horror, Katarina was behind her when she opened the door.

Katarina sneered at me as she prowled towards me like a predator. “It’s time for you to train, little girl.”

I glanced towards Rose who had a downcast look on her face. “I’m sorry, dear.”

Katarina suddenly grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the bedroom and into their training ground. 

“Crying will get you nowhere, little girl.” She said when she heard me sobbing as she continued to drag me like I didn’t have my own two feet to walk with her. Her pace was quick and heavy as if she was excited to see what's about to happen. And I fear it.

My eyes widened when we reached the field. There were a lot of people sparring that stopped to see the commotion that the woman and I were doing. I immediately looked down, scared at the prying eyes who followed us. 

There were so many of them. There were probably hundreds. I didn’t know they really truly existed until recently and now, there were countless of them before me. My heart starts to tighten again in pain. I should’ve hyperventilated or had a heart attack a long time ago. It made me wonder why I haven’t. Is it because that man bit me and turned me into one of them? But I haven’t felt anything lately.

“Listen up!” The crowd immediately stopped and turned their full attention to us. She didn’t remove her grip on my arm. It tightened as minutes passed by. “This baby girl here is the new addition to our family.” 

I looked up, stealing a glance at her. My fear grew when she sneered, her voice filled with malice and hidden agenda. My sight returned to the crowd with unending anxiety. By the way they looked and smirked, they had felt and understood the meaning behind her words.

I was not welcome at all.